Kingston City Council Approves 3.75 Percent Property Tax Increase

The Kingston City Council approved a 3.75 percent property tax increase as part of its 2026/27 budget. The financial plan includes a $530.4 million operating budget and a $135.8 million capital budget.

Mayor Bryan Paterson stated that rising costs for police and fire services drove more than half of the tax increase. The council is facing increased pressure to address housing needs and crises related to addiction, mental health, and homelessness.

In a separate unanimous decision, the council provided one-time funding to Feed the People, a grassroots organization that serves daily lunches to vulnerable residents at Belle Park. These budget approvals occur as the city prepares for a municipal election scheduled for October 26.